It is a common misconception that all mosquitoes carry the West Nile Virus. Fact is that mosquitoes naturally do not carry the virus; they get it from sucking the blood of birds infected with West Nile.

The presence of dead birds is a possible early warning sign that your area will have to deal with West Nile. If you have spotted a dead bird in your neighborhood, here are what you should do.

Report any dead birds – House sparrows, blue jays, cardinals, and crows are the most prominent birds that die from West Nile. If you have found one of these dead birds, take it to the local health department.

Take precaution when handling a dead bird – Wear gloves or cover your hands with plastic bags before touching the bird. Put it in double plastic bags.

Keep the dead bird preserved – Keep the bird refrigerated or put it on a container full of ice until submitted to the health department.